Driving in the rain is risky for several reasons, including hindered visibility, less steering control, and the need for greater stopping distances. When motoris
ts fail to adjust their driving habits for rainy conditions, vehicles can begin to hydroplane.
Also known as “aquapl
aning,” hydroplaning may occur when your vehicle tires lose grip with the road because of standing water, causing the vehicle to skid. Losing the ability to steer your vehicle can be a terrifying experience for even the most experienced driver. Next time you find yourself driving in the rain, here are some safety tips you can implement.
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR VEHICLE FROM HYDROPLANING
Before we discuss what to do when your car hydroplanes, let’s first di
scuss how you can reduce your risk of hydroplaning in the first place:
- Reduce your speed in wet road conditions
- Keep your tires rotated and balanced
- Choose high-quality tires designed to prevent hydroplaning
- Never use cruise control in the rain
- Avoid puddles and standing water as often as possible
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE STARTS TO HYDROPLANE
No matter how safe of a driver you are, hydroplaning can happen to virtually anyone. When it does, knowing what to do and what not to do is crucial to recovering control of your vehicle:
- Remain calm and slow down. Avoid the natural urge to panic and slam your brakes, which can cause your vehicle to spin completely out of control.
- Pump your brakes. Use a light pumping action on the brake pedal.
- Steer into the skid. It may seem contradictory, but steering in the direction of the skid can help your tires realign so you can regain steering control of the vehicle.
- Wait until you regain traction. It will be fairly obvious once you are out of the hydroplaning situation because you will be able to steer normally.
Thanks to Huffman & Huffman for the information, you can see the article in its natural habitat here.